With Week 1 in the rearview mirror, we have some answers as to how some RBs in NFL backfields will be utilized moving forward, but unfortunately, there are still too many questions left unresolved. Let’s take a closer look at what we did and didn’t learn about RB handcuffs in Week 1.

Fantasy Football Week 2 Running Back Handcuff Report

Washington Commanders

We did get some clarity with regards to the Washington Commanders' backfield, and it looks like Jacory Croskey-Merritt will have a chance to live up to the preseason hype. Austin Ekeler played more snaps (33) than Croskey-Merritt (23), but as their Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants progressed, Croskey-Merritt’s role expanded. He settled into an early down RB role with Ekeler playing his familiar passing down back role. Jeremy McNichols had four carries, and Chris Rodriguez was a healthy scratch. For now, it looks like Ekeler is still fantasy viable as Croskey-Merritt’s RB handcuff, and because he’s likely to continue to catch passes out of the backfield. 

Dallas Cowboys

We also have some clarity when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys’ backfield. With Jaydon Blue being a healthy scratch in Week 1, Javonte Williams is the clear RB1 to start the season, with Miles Sanders backing him up as his RB handcuff. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer is waiting for Blue to earn his way onto the football field, so for the time being, Williams’ role seems secure.

 

 

 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Jacksonville Jaguars retooled their backfield by trading Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles this week. Bigsby will now have the important role of Saquon Barkley’s RB handcuff. Will Shipley, Barkley’s former RB handcuff, is dealing with fractured ribs. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne had a huge Week 1, which made Bigsby expendable. Rookie RB Bhayshul Tuten should now be considered Etienne Jr.’s RB handcuff.

 

 

 

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns RB Jerome Ford could soon lose his newfound role as Dylan Sampson’s RB handcuff. There’s a chance that Quinshon Judkins could play in Week 2. Judkins missed all of preseason training camp, but once he’s ready to take on a full-time role, he has a good chance of leapfrogging over Sampson and becoming the Browns’ RB1. Judkins still has some hurdles to overcome, like a potential suspension by the NFL for possibly violating their personal conduct policy. Stay tuned.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings’ backfield looks like it’ll be a mess for fantasy football managers for the short term. Aaron Jones (28) and Jordan Mason (30) virtually split snaps played, but Mason had almost twice as many carries (15) as Jones Sr. (8). Jones Sr. caught all three of his targets and scored a receiving TD, which saved his day in fantasy. 

 

 

 

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are going to make us wait a little while longer for TreyVeon Henderson’s coming-out party. Rhamondre Stevenson almost doubled Henderson’s snaps played (46 to 25) in Week 1. Henderson had twice as many targets as Stevenson (6 to 3), but Stevenson had the slight edge in carries (7 to 5). The Pats’ RB depth chart continues to be a work in progress. 

Denver Broncos

Speaking of RB rooms that are a work in progress, welcome to Denver. J.K. Dobbins held on to his RB1 status by playing 40 snaps in Week 1. Rookie RJ Harvey played 22, and Tyler Badie, who led all Broncos RBs with five targets, played 14. Dobbins out-carried Harvey by a 16 to six margin, but he did score a rushing TD. Harvey chipped in with a 50-yard dash. This backfield is a mess for fantasy football managers right now. 

 

 

 

Los Angeles Chargers

Omarion Hampton went from RB handcuff to RB1 in one week. Najee Harris took a backseat to the rookie in Week 1. We do have to remember that Harris did miss almost the entire preseason due to an eye injury and that his role should increase as the season progresses. For now, it looks like Hampton owns the Chargers’ backfield.

Seattle Seahawks

Zach Charbonnet was on our list of top RB handcuffs to start the season, and when Week 1 came around, he moved ahead of incumbent RB1 Kenneth Walker. He played more snaps (30 to 21) and had more carries (12 to 10) than Walker III. Walker III did catch all three of his targets last week. Charbonnet was not targeted in the passing game. Did Charbonnet play significantly more snaps than Walker III because of injury concerns spilling over from the preseason? We’ll see what happens in Week 2.